Banff

“It’s a unique profession … we may not be as prolific as doctors and nurses, but we are proud of the work we do."

Recognizing people want to get outside with the COVID-19 lockdown, the Town of Banff has also opened the skateboard park at certain times when supervisors are available: weekdays from 3-5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m-noon and 3-5 p.m.

“Businesses are certainly suffering and so are individuals,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen.

"I guess what is frustrating for me is that so many people go walking with dogs off-leash and do not think about the consequences."

As Banff continues to follow provincial public health orders, random checkstops continue and July 1 Canada Day festivities, including the parade, are cancelled

Parks Canada urges drivers to obey all signs and to avoid stopping on the Trans-Canada Highway where a rare white grizzly bear and its sibling have been hanging out. “They’ve been getting onto the highway right-of-way fairly regularly and we’ve been getting reports of them along that section."

“Bear 136 killed one of the cubs of 142… this is a natural occurrence in the wild,” said Jon Stuart-Smith, a Parks Canada human-wildlife coexistence specialist for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay national parks.

"I think too often it is forgotten that the national parks exists to preserve our wild habitats first and foremost – they don't exist solely for the benefit of visitors."

“With limited recreation activities and the fact that 85 to 90 per cent of Banff’s population was laid off, and with food security, this is one way we can provide some mental health benefits as well as being able to watch your garden grow.”

“This is an opportunity to raise some funds for COVID-19 emergency grants in the Bow Valley and sit back and enjoy an evening of song, celebration and inspiring words from across Canada and closer to home in Alberta.”